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The  Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has a leasehold estate of approximately 800 buildings – the largest commercial estate within government. With the Treasury seeking to plug a £22bn black hole, cuts needs to be made.

Appointed under Perfect Circle via the Scape consultancy framework, construction consultant Gleeds will lead a combined assurance team alongside Birmingham-based consultancy Del Bosque to help reduce the size of the ministry’s estate.

Together, Gleeds and Del Bosque will provide multi-disciplinary programme assurance services across the DWP’s workplace transformation, life cycle works and special property investment programmes, seeking to reduce costs and improve value for money.

The contract will run for an initial period of two years, with an option to extend to 2029.

Gleeds head of public sector Jonathan Stewart said: “We have previously worked with the DWP on a number of complex projects and programmes and, as a result, understand its long-term goals. Our existing relationship means we are well placed to support it on its journey towards substantially reducing the space it occupies, improving its buildings, and becoming more sustainable.”

Keith Johns, Del Bosque’s client account director for the Department of Work & Pensions, added: “This appointment reflects our industry-leading achievements of the last four years in supporting the DWP in managing the UK-wide assurance of its real estate capital and lifecycle works programmes.”

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